Kudos to Tom Sakell for his excellent article on the history of the H.O.A. and the Sheltering Arms. This brought back many fond memories for me.
I do remember waiting outside on the sidewalk of the H.O.A. with my WWI ammunition box, converted to a shine box with the addition of a footrest for the soldier clients. In those days the GI's wore what I always described as Lil' Abner boots. These boots required a lot of shoe polish and I soon learned that I was in a losing situation if I were to continue my business venture at that location. After a few days I moved on. I found that the taverns on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons offered cliental with a few cents more to spend and much smaller shoes.
While still on the subject of shoe shines I recall being offered a chance to shine shoes at Squillante's shoe repair on Friday and Saturday evenings. I was to use the professionally built shine stand and use the polish provided to me at no cost. Any monies made was mine to keep. Frank and his dad were fine people. They repaired many a pair of shoes on credit for the people in the neighborhood which enabled many a kid to attend school without having to do the "flip flop" hop.
The men at the 139th St. firehouse were just great. My grandmother moved in next door and could not get some of her furniture up the stairs. These men created a rigging and hassled items of furniture up the outside of the building. Who recalls the rolled newspaper made into clubs then used to batter your opponent who was recognized by wearing a strip of cloth on his arm? Those forays usually took place on 134th St. and brought out the neighbors who cheered for their chosen side. When your "club" was worn to a nub you were out. Sometimes we were having so much fun we turned on our own teammates. No one ever was seriously injured but exhaustion and exhilaration were present.
I have been meaning to write to you and inform you of my address change but a serious cancer operation has prevented me from doing so until now. If I have missed any publications since the issue of volume 4, Dec. 1999, please send on the missed issue.
Enclosed is a small check to help defray your costs.
Best regards,
Vincent J. Bromley
Class of '44
P.S. Because of an article I wrote and its publication in the Gazette I received a phone call from Jim O'Kelly. We were in the Maritime Service together when we were 16 years of age. After which we both joined the army. I hadn't seen Jim since 1950.
Thanks for the memories.
Dear John,
I was talking with Mike Sexton in December and he told me he was going to Las Vegas and I decided to meet him there. He asked me if I had my graduation picture from grammar school which I happened to have. When we met in January, I brought it with me to show him and he said that I should send it to the Annunciation/Vinegar Hill Committee since you folks might be interested in seeing a picture that is almost 50 years old. I couldn't remember all of the names of my classmates but I managed to name 50 of the 54 that were in the class. I don't think that is so bad considering that it was 50 years ago that I last saw some of those guys.
While digging through my old photos, I came across some pictures of the CYO basketball teams from 1950 & 1952. You will likewise find copies of these enclosed also.
As you can see I now make my home in Yuma, Arizona, which is located in the southwest corner of Arizona next to California and Mexico. My wife and I love living here since we don't have to contend with any of the weather elements that you experience in the New York area.
Since we have lived here for the last six years, we have made trips back East to see family and friends. Unfortunately, I have not been able to attend any of the Vinegar Hill functions. Perhaps if something is going on when I make my next trip I'll try to attend the affair.
Thank God I am in good health and I play golf almost every day.
Enclosed is a little donation for the newsletter mailing. Make sure that I am on the mailing list. I hope that the people enjoy looking at the pictures.
Regards,
John McKeveny
Dear John,
Just a note to say that we appreciate each copy of the Gazette. Many memories of the old neighborhood come to mind.
Thank you once again John, for your personal efforts to get Frankie Coglionese's name added to the plaque at Annunciation Church.
In prayers and peace,
Jim Foy
Hello Tom Sakell,
Received the Dec. '99 issue of Annunciation/Vinegar Hill Gazette. I enjoyed the article you wrote on the H. O. A. Your coverage of the past takes me back. It was good seeing you at the Mass of May 15, 1999. You look like you're still in good shape.
Here is a poem I wrote that reflects my impressions on my visit, when attending the Mass. If you want to use it in a future Vinegar Hill Gazette issue it's alright with me.
MY CHURCH / Annunciation
I've been to many a church of beauty To God I owe my religious duty, But there is one church I got to know, While I was young and starting to grow. Yet not a man I moved away, With time flashing by, It's been fifty years and a day. With a Mass in the works for people who care, Was my chance to be present, At the site oh so fair. Now being wiser and longing to see, The church that I knew when I was three. Upon entering the door to my surprise, The rare beauty that hit my eyes. Still the same church I knew then, Being a man I knew how grand.
Hope you like it,
Joseph L. Suarez
1951 GRADUATES
We are looking for graduation pictures from the Class of '51 - boys and girls - for our next Reunion Mass.
Please send to our P.O. Box and we will return them after they have been scanned.